Canberra’s European Wasp experts have reported that recent hot weather in the capital has failed to slow the sightings of the painful pests, the stings of which are still being reported on the eWasp website.
Senior Pest and Weed Officer at CoreEnviro Solutions, Jim Bariesheff said there had been a substantial number of European Wasp (eWasp) sightings and nests with more expected as the warmer weather continued
“Since 1 December 2018 a total of 111 eWasp nests have been reported with 13 stinging incidents,” Mr Bariesheff said.
“This number is expected to grow even further by the end of February.”
He said the suburbs commonly reporting eWasp nests included Pialligo, Weston, Forde, Franklin and Dunlop.
He said most of the stinging incidents had been from residents who disturbed a nest from gardening or with a hose.
“Some nests can contain 2,000 eWasps (and) if an eWasp nest is disturbed, or the colony is threatened, the wasps will become very aggressive.”
He said the wasps swarm in large numbers and can sting multiple times.
“Multiple stings can cause a severe allergic reaction, if this occurs, seek immediate medical attention.”
Mr Bariesheff said nests were often hidden with the most common nesting sites in wall cavities, a hole in the ground and roof voids.
He said they could also be found in conifer trees.
“Wasps can gain access through cracks, crevices and holes around windows and door frames,” he said.
He strongly advised anyone who located a nest to stay clear of the area, report it to the eWasp Hotline on 6258 5551 and call a professional pest control company to treat/destroy the nest as soon as possible.
